How to Introduce a Puppy to a New Home
Among the highlights of dog ownership is bringing a puppy home for the first time. While this ranks among the most enjoyable days in any human-dog relationship, puppies sometimes have trouble adapting to a new environment. Fortunately, there are ways to go about introducing a puppy to one's home; ways that help make the puppy feel comfortable and happy in its new home.
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Instructions
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Establish bathroom areas. The first thing one should do upon bringing a new puppy home is having a puppy go to the bathroom in an outside area that will become commonplace. If a puppy does relieve itself in that area, make sure to reward it with positive words and a treat.
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Let the puppy roam. This is new and unfamiliar territory for a puppy, so having some time to simply walk around and explore will help a puppy become comfortable in its new environment. Make sure to pick up all small objects--anything that can be ingested--and place a puppy's food and water in a predetermined spot. This will help a puppy become accustomed to its food/water situation.
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After an hour or two of allowing the puppy to become familiar with its surroundings, try having the puppy take a nap in a predetermined locale. This could be a dog bed, large pillow, anywhere a pet owner feels its best for a puppy to nap. A puppy will likely be tired after such a long day, and after roaming and eating, will likely be ready for sleep.
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Crate a puppy upon first introductions with another dog. This first meeting will allow the dogs to familiarize themselves with one another, minus the risk of a fight or tussle. After a time or two in the crate, let the dogs sniff around sans crate, making sure to monitor closely.
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Take the puppy for a walk on a leash, particularly if one's home features other dogs. Should this be the case, bring those dogs along as well. This will help the dogs familiarize themselves with one another in a neutral location, where territory issues are less likely to come in play. Try and have someone else accompany the walk, should any physical problems arise between dogs.
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Once a puppy has become comfortable in its new home, move on to training/house training a new pet. Start with the basics, such as "stay" and "sit," making sure to always reward obeying of commands with positive reinforcement, including petting, positive words and treats. Consult a certified dog trainer for tips on more advanced training.
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Tips & Warnings
Never leave a new puppy alone with another dog. Make sure the two are comfortable with one another first, which takes time.
